3 Things India-Germany sign 19 pacts, ISRO's launch failure, and 'food racism'
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Jan 14, 2026 
Shubhajit Roy, a diplomatic affairs editor at The Indian Express, discusses the significance of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to India, focusing on new agreements in defense and technology. He highlights cooperation on semiconductors and skill development, reflecting a deepening India-Germany partnership. Amitabh Sinha, a science journalist from The Indian Express, shares insights into ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission failure, outlining its implications for India's space ambitions. Lastly, the podcast delves into a legal dispute involving an Indian student in the U.S., spotlighting discrimination issues.
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Germany's Visit Was Broadly Strategic
- Germany's visit signalled a broad strategic push spanning defence, technology and education cooperation with India.
- The visit before Chancellor Merkel's China trip signals Germany's prioritisation of India as a partner.
Defence Pact Emphasises Co-Development
- The defence industrial roadmap focuses on co-development and co-production, not just sales of equipment like submarines.
- Germany trusts India enough to pursue sensitive defence tech despite India's ties with Russia.
Tech, Minerals And A Push For An FTA
- Germany and India aim to build a semiconductor ecosystem together and secure access to critical minerals and processing tech.
- Germany is pushing for an India-EU FTA to ease market access for German cars and machinery.